Defend Democracy or Prepare to Relive the 1930s

Excerpt

The 21st century will challenge democracy. Climate change, excessive wealth gaps, the impact of artificial intelligence, cyber attacks, misinformation, disinformation and, ultimately, domestic discontent—all threaten open society. But one challenge, a traditional one, stands head and shoulders above the rest.

War. 

Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has become a bloody war of attrition. But make no mistake. If he can, Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue to dismantle the Ukrainian nation. Naturally, that would also destroy Ukrainian democracy. Meanwhile, the Oct. 7 terror attack was a sickening assault that reminded everyone that Hamas, and numerous Iranian proxy groups, want to eradicate Israel. Israel is a well-armed democracy, but it is not invulnerable. The longer its operations last in Gaza, the higher the chance Hezbollah will strike from the north. Then all bets are off. Direct U.S.-Iranian conflict could follow.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. He previously served as policy director of the Senate Armed Services Committee under Sen. John McCain.